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Rona Kinnersly

Rona Kinnersly

AASW

Therapist · Australia · 10+ years of experience

Practical support for anger and life stress

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  • Strengths focused
  • Trauma-aware
  • Values based

About Rona

Rona Kinnersly is an AASW social worker with more than 10 years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, relationship strain and anger. She helps with trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, compassion fatigue, addictions and grief. Rona encourages practical first steps and recognises how hard it can be to begin therapy. Rona sees people as the experts in their own stories. She focuses on strengths and on small, manageable changes that build confidence. Sessions are straightforward and goal-focused, with space to talk through painful memories and current pressures. Her approach brings together several evidence-informed methods. Rona uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients live by their values when things feel overwhelming. She draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thoughts and build coping skills. Attachment-based ideas guide work on relationship patterns and intimacy-related problems. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) informed techniques are used when emotional regulation and distress tolerance are key goals. Client-centred therapy underpins a respectful, non-judgemental way of working. Rona has specialist experience around family violence and supporting people recovering from trauma and stress. She also helps those dealing with parenting strains, caregiver stress, ageing or life transitions. To begin, she invites people to take a small step and complete a brief matching questionnaire to find out if they would like to work together.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

Australia, Australia

Languages

English

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, anger and motivation problems. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical strategies for worry, low mood and unhelpful behaviour patterns. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how past relationships shape current patterns and can help with intimacy-related issues and relationship strain.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Rona will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then try methods collaboratively. That can mean combining ACT, CBT and attachment ideas or focusing on one approach for a period while checking in about progress.

Confirm the available session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They also let people use strategies at home between sessions and practise new skills in real-life settings. Ask about session length and scheduling when you complete the matching questionnaire so arrangements suit everyday routines.

At a glance

Listed location
Australia
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
AASW
Languages
English
Registration (Australia)
AASW · No. 473225
Registration (Australia)
AASW · No. 473225

As listed by the therapist. You can check a registration with the body that issued it.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Rona commonly help with?

She supports people with anger, stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, grief and addictions, among other life challenges.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is straightforward and strengths focused. She works collaboratively and uses practical exercises alongside talking.

What background and experience does she have?

Rona has more than 10 years of professional experience working in Australia, including specialist work with family violence and trauma recovery.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

Rona holds AASW credentialing and practices in Australia.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside Australia work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

What is the first step to start therapy?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Before you start

  • Online talk therapy is not a court-ordered or mandated anger-management course, and it does not provide attendance certificates.
  • Check that the location and registration details above fit where you live.
  • If anyone is at risk of being harmed, contact emergency services or a domestic-abuse helpline first. See the support lines for the US, UK and Australia.
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